His lawyer Michael Rainford told the court, which Rooney’s wife Coleen, 31, did not attend: “He recognises he’s let not only himself down but his family. He’s let fans down, young people who look up to him.”

Mr Rainford said Rooney accepted he “needs to show better judgment” after being caught at nearly three times the drink limit in a car with a party girl.

NEW ROO When is Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s baby due? Date predictions, baby name rumours and the bookies’ favourite and how many children they already have?

But District Judge John Temperley rejected pleas to just fine the £160,000-a-week star due to his charity work.

The judge said: “I’m not satisfied even a high-level fine would have the same punitive effects as a community order.”